§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the UK Online for Business strategy is and the role played by Smart South West in promoting it; and if she will make a statement on the nature of Smart South West's relationship with business in the region. [74935]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 22 October 2002]: The aim of UK online for business is to help make the UK the best place in the world for e-business, with an extensive and competitive broadband market judged using international comparative measures of business uptake and use of information and communication technology (ICT). This will be achieved by assisting companies, through the provision of advice, tools and content, to achieve greater productivity and competitiveness through the deeper, more integrated use of ICT.
As part of the programme, a UK online for business champion has been appointed for each region and Devolved Administration. The champions work with the RDAs, Business Link Organisations and other 988W regional bodies, helping to facilitate activity that will contribute to the achievement of the targets. The champion for the South West is Colin Bluck, who although Executive Director of Smart South West, performs the role of champion in an individual capacity. Smart South West as an organization is one of over 400 partners with whom we seek to work to promote the use of ICT to business.
I am not in a position to comment on the nature of Smart South West's relationship with business in the region.